Electrical Engineer Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $99,269 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time electrical engineer in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $99,269/year (≈ $47.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2071). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $106,284 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In South Milwaukee, the projected median annual salary for electrical engineers is $99,269 in 2026, a figure notably lower than the national median of $125,033. The salary range varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $64,981 and experienced roles reaching up to $147,050. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, offer a localized perspective on the job market, reflecting regional cost adjustments. Despite a median figure that lags behind national standards, the security clearance premium may offer additional financial incentives for roles requiring such credentials, creating a more competitive environment for specialized engineering talent in South Milwaukee.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,981 | $31.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,546 | $36.80 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $99,269 | $47.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $119,458 | $57.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $147,050 | $70.70 |
Median Salary Position
20.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the electrical engineer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $82,069 (2026 est.). At $99,269, the local median is 20.61% below the national median of $125,033.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee Electrical Engineer Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $99,269/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $104,493 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $125,033 | -20.61% less |
Electrical Engineers in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $99,269 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.61% lower than the national median of $125,033 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $104,493.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Milwaukee, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A electrical engineer earning $99,269 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $106,284 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$78,227
2025 BLS Actual
$95,773
2026 Current Est.
$99,269
2019–2027 Growth
+31.5%
Salary Trajectory for Electrical Engineers in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.65% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $78,227 | Actual |
| 2020 | $80,053 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,727 | Actual |
| 2022 | $82,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,912 | Actual |
| 2024 | $95,832 | Actual |
| 2025 | $95,773 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $99,269 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102,892 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median electrical engineer salary grew 22.4% from $78,227 (2019) to $95,773 (2025). At a 3.65% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $102,892 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,665 (31.53%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.65% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $64,981 – $76,546 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,546 – $99,269 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $99,269 – $119,458 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $119,458 – $147,050 |
EE salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual electrical engineer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Electrical Engineer Job Market in South Milwaukee
Examining the job market, there are currently only six employed electrical engineers in South Milwaukee, a relatively small number that may indicate limited opportunities but also a niche demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living index for the area stands at 93.4, suggesting that while overall salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power for engineers is relatively favorable. Key employers in this region include defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, which often pay higher salaries due to the security clearance premium, as well as tech giants involved in semiconductor design. Factors such as industry focus, the level of education obtained, and the distinction between individual contributor roles and management tracks heavily influence salary variations. To maximize pay, aspiring electrical engineers in South Milwaukee should consider pursuing advanced degrees, obtaining security clearances, and targeting high-paying sectors, particularly semiconductor firms, as they command the highest compensation rates.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $95,773 for electrical engineersin the South Milwaukee metropolitan area. A 3.65% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Milwaukee is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.65%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electrical engineers (SOC 17-2071).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov